AMES, Iowa -- The initial entry deadline for the Iowa State
Science and Technology Fair (ISSTF) is Feb. 19. Organizers
are asking that students who are interested in entering this
year's science fair to be sure and meet the initial deadline.

The ISSTF will be March 26-27, 1999, at Iowa State
University. It is the only statewide general science fair for
middle- and high-school students in Iowa.

While the initial entry deadline is Feb. 19, the final entry
form is due March 12. Meeting the initial entry deadline
allows organizers to plan for the science fair, according to
Sande McNabb, university professor of plant pathology and
forestry at ISU and chair of the ISSTF Board of Directors.

Students interested in participating in the fair must submit
project proposals. All projects need to adhere to regulations
set by the fair's committee, and proposals must be developed
under the guidance of a teacher or other
professional. The science areas covered are broadly divided
into physical and biological sciences.

Prizes are awarded at the seventh- and eighth-grade levels.
High school winners receive scholarships as well as other
prizes. Also, many topical awards are given by state,
federal, university and industrial groups.

Last year, some 435 students from across Iowa participated in
the fair. In all, 88 fair awards and approximately 200
special awards were given to students who participated in
last year's fair.

McNabb said the Iowa Space Grant Consortium will sponsor a
$10,000 four-year tuition grant. In addition, there will be
Iowa Energy Center Youth and Energy Scholarships and Iowa
State Science and Technology Scholarships, as well as other
awards. To date, the value of the awards available for the
1999 fair total approximately $30,000.

For more information on the Iowa State Science and Technology
Fair and an entry booklet write to Sande McNabb, 221 Bessey
Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1021, or call
(515) 294-3120.